Youngsters put issues in focus

LIGHTS, camera, action . . . The young people who took part in creating films on their community, outside PeaceMaker in Oldham

YOUNG people in Oldham had their own Hollywood moment when their films about their community were given a public screening.

The film project set the youngsters the task of describing how they would spend £1,000 to benefit their community and design a plotline for a documentary film.

And it was lights, camera, action for the successful groups from Breezehill Secondary School, Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale and Oldham Greenhill Community Sports Club, which came up with the winning pitches to the project organisers Peacemaker, an anti-racism organisation based in Oldham.

The three films covered a wide array of issues from communities developing stronger links between the younger and older generations to creating spaces where young people from all backgrounds can come together.

The project finished with a public screening of the three successful groups’ films at Gallery Oldham, with family and friends present.

The films will now be submitted to British and international film festivals.

Throughout the project the young people were supported by Peacemaker’s mentors and the organisation’s Jenny Allen said: “PeaceMaker tries to combat the stereotype that young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, do not care about their community. The film project aims to give young people from all backgrounds a platform to express their views about community cohesion issues. These films will be shown to decision-makers in the local area so that they can hear what young people have to say about their needs and concerns for their communities.”

Stephen Hardy, from Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale, said: “The project has given young people the opportunity to learn new skills and the responsibility to organise community events.

“The group I worked with enjoyed all aspects of the project and developed a good understanding for their community and other communities throughout the borough.

“You can view our videos on the Groundwork website, www.gwor.co.uk, within the youth pages.”